OneDrive File Issues

How to Remove the Hyphen from a OneDrive Account Name

John Wilson Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to remove the hyphen that is automatically added to the OneDrive for Business account or folder name in File Explorer.

How to Remove the Hyphen from a OneDrive Account Name

Product: OneDrive for Business
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up OneDrive for Business and attempting to customize the folder display name in File Explorer.
Observed behavior: OneDrive automatically adds a hyphen to the folder name, and modifying local configuration files fails to change the name displayed in File Explorer.

Before you start

Please note that attempting to force a folder rename through system registry edits can severely disrupt your cloud synchronization and is highly discouraged.

Solution 1Recommended

Understand the Naming Limitation and Submit a Feature Request

Currently, the hyphen in the OneDrive for Business folder name is hardcoded by Microsoft and cannot be removed. Users must submit a request to Microsoft to change this behavior.

During setup, OneDrive for Business automatically appends a hyphen to separate the service identifier from your organization's tenant name. Editing configuration files or renaming the folder directly in File Explorer will not override this system-level naming convention.

Since no direct workaround exists without breaking file synchronization, the official recommendation is to submit a feature request directly to the Microsoft development team.

Access the Feedback Portal

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft OneDrive feedback portal at https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/forum/e3f04660-2c1c-ec11-b6e7-0022481f8472.

Sign In to Microsoft

Click the **Sign In** button in the top right corner and log in using your Microsoft 365 or OneDrive account credentials.

Search or Submit New Feedback

Use the search bar to look for existing requests regarding the 'remove hyphen from folder name' issue. If you find one, click **Upvote**. If not, click the **Send feedback** button to create a new request explaining why you need the ability to customize the folder name.

Understand the Naming Limitation and Submit a Feature Request

System Design: Because the hyphen is a core part of how OneDrive differentiates between personal and business accounts locally, third-party renaming tools will not provide a permanent solution and may cause data sync failures.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does OneDrive for Business add a hyphen to my folder name?

OneDrive for Business automatically adds a hyphen to separate the service identifier ('OneDrive') from your organization's tenant name. This is designed to prevent naming conflicts when users sync multiple personal and business accounts on the same device.

Can I remove the OneDrive hyphen by editing the Windows Registry?

While advanced users sometimes attempt to alter the display name via the Registry Editor, it is strongly discouraged. Changing the registry keys associated with OneDrive can break the synchronization engine and the changes are usually overwritten during the next application update.

Will Microsoft ever allow custom names for OneDrive folders?

Microsoft prioritizes feature updates based on user demand. Submitting a detailed use case or upvoting existing requests on the official OneDrive Feedback Portal is the most effective way to encourage Microsoft to allow folder name customization in future updates.

Document & File Issues